Mid-season Match Report

We are now just over half way through the winter season. So far, it has been mixed in terms of results though the number or rearrangements has been relatively low. Looking at the individual teams, here is a brief review of their current status. An up to date fixture list with results so far is also on the notice board in the club house.

East Hants

Men A: Following their promotion to Division 1 last year, our Men’s A team has struggled with strong opposition which is very different compared to what they have ever played before, but with exciting experiences which will be brought into men's practice nights. Injuries have also hampered performances and rain has postponed a few matches. Hopefully, the tide will turn in the second half of the season so that Ross and his team can retain their place in the division for next season.
Men B: This has been a difficult first half of the season for Men’s B who are currently lying bottom of Division 3. Nigel has struggled to get out full teams on several occasions during the first half of the season. Hopefully the second half of the season will prove more successful for our Men.
Ladies A: The A team under Gill Ward’s captaincy has enjoyed a successful season so far and is currently lying 2nd in Division 2 just above Medstead, though a considerable number of points behind the leaders, Midhurst. A good second half of the season should secure second place for the ladies.
Ladies B: After a great first season for our new ladies team in summer, the first half of the winter season has been badly affected by injuries and other absences. Captain, Angela Gregory, expects that this is about to change with the return of several players in the squad to match tennis in the New Year and a resulting move up the table.
Vets: In only their second year, the Vets team has finished the first half of the season in first place in Division 2. 5 matches were played, 4 won with only 11 sets lost out of a total of 40. Odiham, who they beat in November, follow closely behind, with a return match due before the end of the season. Of particular note is the social side of the tennis, with daytime matches (so not freezing cold evenings) and also (normally) played in a sportsman like spirit with a great team atmosphere. Sue Hubbard, the Vets captain, and her team look forward to maintaining momentum in the New Year.

Aldershot

Men: In Division 2B with a somewhat changed squad this year and under the captaincy of Miles Eakers. The team is lying a creditable joint second in the league, on a par with Ash Men’s B. Miles says a big thank you to all who have played in the team so far and looks forward to pushing forward in the New Year to try to achieve top spot.
Ladies: The ladies, under the captaincy of Lesley Johnson, are sitting in third place in Division 1, only a short distance behind Ash. It is almost certain that Bourne are heading back to the Premiership at the end of the season but, with a strong second half of the season, every chance that our ladies will finish in second place.

Good luck to all the teams for the rest of the season. Enjoy your tennis.

The Committee is already preparing for the summer schedule and will soon be looking at squads, so if you haven’t yet responded to me about your preferences, I hope you will do so soon. Contact details below.

Thanks

Sue Jones
Match Secretary
sue@arrafana.plus.com
01420 561223
07986 070 296